Khurshid Bano

 

Founder of Da Hawwa Lur – Daughters of Eve

In a country where traditional norms often obscure the voices of women, Khurshid rises as a beacon of hope, courage, and unyielding determination. As the founder & CEO of Da Hawwa Lur – Daughters of Eve, she has carved a transformative path toward gender justice, making her a pioneering figure in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle for equality and women’s rights.

At the heart of Khurshid’s mission is Da Hawwa Lur, an NGO she founded to challenge gender bias, promote equitable laws, and eradicate violence against women. The name—meaning “Daughters of Eve”—symbolises the organisation’s commitment to every woman’s dignity, rights, and the need for institutional reform.

Khurshid’s story is not one of quiet rebellion, but of bold, fearless action. In 1994, she made history by becoming the first female union leader in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—a province where women’s participation in public life was largely discouraged.

Her leadership was not just symbolic—it laid the groundwork for real, systemic change. By 2015, she had launched the province’s first all-women’s union, a platform that continues to fight for fair wages, maternity rights, protection from harassment, and access to essential workplace amenities.

Khurshid’s work goes far beyond union activism. In areas ravaged by violence or natural disasters her team at Da Hawwa Lur provides free legal aid, trauma counselling, and capacity-building programs for displaced women and victims of abuse. These initiatives not only offer immediate relief but also equip women with the tools to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

An active member of the Pakistan Alliance Against Sexual Harassment (PAASHA), Khurshid has been instrumental in driving policy reforms and promoting workplace safety. Thanks to her advocacy, women in over 32 government departments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now benefit from safer, more equitable work environments. Her work has helped institutionalize gender-sensitive frameworks that are essential for sustainable change.

For Khurshid Bano, empowerment isn’t just a concept—it’s a mission. She believes, passionately, that “one empowered woman can change the destiny of a nation.”

As Pakistan faces the challenges of inequality and gender-based violence, Khurshid Bano stands as a reminder of what is possible when purpose meets passion. Her vision for a just society is clear—and her work, relentless.

Hear more from this fearless woman at the Inspiring Women awards Lunch 16th May 2025 at The Lowry Hotel. Full details here